Spire Global, a leading global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, announced it was awarded a $4.6 million, 12-month contract by NASA on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to participate in NOAA’s Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications  Phase-A study.

During this phase, Spire will compete with three other companies to develop a Microwave Sounder for NOAA’s Near-Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program. Following the completion of the 12-month contract, a single sounder from the finalists may be selected for additional contract phases that may lead to integration into NOAA’s NEON program series of Low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, with the initial launch scheduled for no earlier than 2030.

The data collected from the final Microwave Sounder will be used towards advancing Earth observation, providing insights into various atmospheric properties such as temperature, humidity, cloud cover and composition.

“The NOAA LEOS program series is facilitating a new phase of Earth observation driven by technology, innovation and a commitment to understanding our planet’s dynamic systems,” said Chuck Cash, Vice President of Federal Sales at Spire. “We’re proud to leverage Spire’s expertise in satellite technology to advance Earth observation and empower meteorologists, scientists and researchers with more precise insights into atmospheric properties.”